Apparently one of the reasons for the album title is that this is Judith’s second album, but when opening the gatefold there is a further explanation. Judith met Artie, the love of her life, on a blind date on New Year’s Eve 1967. After a while he was sent to Vietnam, and came back a broken man and ended up leaving her. Some 44 years later he found her again, and this time they are planning to be together forever, and this album tells that story, with each song chosen to represent different life events.
It is incredibly hard to understand that this really is only Judith’ second album, as her performance totally belies that. Her softly sung warm vocals fits the music perfectly, filling the holes and spaces left for her in the atmospheric and delicate arrangements. Pianist Eric Reed’s arrangements fell perfectly naturally, not at all forced, and as with all great jazz albums this was recorded in just one day. Sometimes it is just Eric, sometimes some or all of the band (drums, trumpet, bass and tenor sax), but always ensuring they never overpower and she sits there in the spotlight with her warm and emotional voice carrying the stage. I can “see” her sat on a stool, stage shrouded in darkness, with just a single spotlight (not too bright) picking her out as she holds the audience in the palm of her hand.
One of the most reflective, unforced, and truly beautiful jazz albums I have heard in some time.
Rating: 8/10
